Patterson Dental is a distributor, not a dental practice or insurance plan
Patterson Dental is a wholesale supplier that sells dental equipment, materials, and instruments to dental offices, labs, and other dental professionals. It does not provide dental care, run a dental practice, or offer dental insurance. If you arrived here looking for a place to get your teeth cleaned or treated, Patterson Dental is not that — it is the company that sells the tools and supplies your dentist uses.
Patterson Dental operates as a business-to-business distributor. That means it sells to licensed dentists, hygienists, dental labs, and other professionals who have a business account. Individual patients cannot walk in or order from Patterson Dental the way they would from a pharmacy or medical supply store.
The company has been in operation since 1877 and is now owned by Henry Schein, a larger healthcare distributor. Patterson maintains its own brand and distribution network across North America.
Key Takeaways
- Patterson Dental sells to dental professionals and practices, not to individual patients seeking dental care.
- The company supplies equipment (chairs, X-ray machines, suction units), materials (composites, cements, impression compounds), and hand instruments (scalers, mirrors, burs) that dentists use during treatment.
- Patterson Dental also carries consumables like gloves, masks, bibs, and sterilization supplies that dental offices need to operate.
- If you need dental treatment, you contact a dental practice; the practice then orders supplies from Patterson Dental or another distributor.
What Patterson Dental supplies to dental practices
Patterson Dental's catalog includes three main categories: equipment, materials, and consumables. Equipment includes large items like dental chairs, operatory lights, handpieces (the drill and polishing tools), suction systems, and digital imaging equipment. These are the permanent or semi-permanent fixtures a dental office installs.
Materials are the substances dentists use during procedures: composite resins for fillings, cements and bonding agents, impression materials for making molds, temporary and permanent crown materials, and orthodontic supplies. Dental labs also order materials from Patterson to fabricate crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Consumables are single-use or frequently replaced items: examination gloves, face masks, bibs, gauze, cotton rolls, suction tips, sterilization pouches, and cleaning solutions. Every dental office needs a steady supply of these items to operate safely and meet infection control standards.
How dental practices order from Patterson Dental
A dental practice sets up a business account with Patterson Dental by providing proof of licensure, tax identification, and business information. Once the account is open, the practice can order through Patterson's website, by phone, or through a sales representative who visits the office.
Patterson Dental offers different service levels depending on the practice's location and needs. Some offices receive daily deliveries; others order weekly or as needed. The company also runs a loyalty program that gives practices discounts based on purchase volume.
Practices can also order from Patterson's competitors, such as Henry Schein (Patterson's parent company), Benco Dental, or Darby Dental Supply. Many practices use multiple suppliers to compare prices or may support they have backup sources if one distributor runs low on stock.
Why dental practices use distributors like Patterson
Dental practices use distributors because buying directly from manufacturers would be inefficient and expensive. A distributor like Patterson Dental stocks thousands of products from hundreds of manufacturers in one place, so a practice can order everything it needs in one transaction rather than contacting dozens of suppliers separately.
Distributors also handle logistics: they warehouse inventory, manage returns, and arrange delivery. A practice that needs supplies urgently can often receive them the next business day. This is especially important for consumables that run out quickly and for emergency repairs when equipment breaks.
Distributors also negotiate volume pricing with manufacturers, which allows them to offer lower prices to practices than the practices could get by ordering directly. This savings is passed along to the dental office, which helps keep the cost of dental care lower than it would be otherwise.
Patterson Dental's online ordering and customer service
Patterson Dental operates an online ordering platform where account holders can browse products, check prices, view inventory, and place orders. The website also includes product specifications, safety data sheets, and educational content about dental materials and equipment.
Practices can also call Patterson Dental's customer service line to place orders, ask questions about products, or troubleshoot issues. The company employs sales representatives who specialize in different regions and can visit practices to discuss needs and recommend products.
Patterson Dental also offers training and technical support for equipment. If a practice buys a new dental chair or X-ray system from Patterson, the company typically sends a technician to install it and train the staff on how to use it.
If you are looking for dental care, not dental supplies
If you need a dental cleaning, filling, crown, or other treatment, you need to find a dental practice in your area, not contact Patterson Dental. You can search for dentists through your dental insurance provider's website, ask your primary care doctor for a referral, or search online for practices near you.
When you call a dental practice to schedule an appointment, ask whether they accept your insurance and what their fees are for common procedures. Many practices offer a free initial consultation or exam so you can meet the dentist and discuss your needs before committing to treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order from Patterson Dental as an individual patient?
No. Patterson Dental only sells to licensed dental professionals and practices with a business account. Individual patients cannot place orders. If you need dental supplies for home use (like a water flosser or whitening strips), you would order from a pharmacy, medical supply store, or online retailer instead.
Does Patterson Dental offer dental insurance?
No. Patterson Dental is a supplier of equipment and materials, not an insurance company. If you need information about dental insurance, contact your employer's benefits department, your state's Medicaid program, or a private dental insurance company directly.
What if I need a specific dental product for my home?
If you need a toothbrush, floss, mouthwash, or other over-the-counter dental product, you can buy it at a pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer. If you need a prescription dental product (like a special fluoride rinse or prescription toothpaste), ask your dentist for a prescription and fill it at a pharmacy.
How do I find a dentist near me?
Search online for "dentist near me" or use your dental insurance provider's website to find in-network practices. You can also ask your primary care doctor for a referral or call your local health department for a list of dental practices in your area.
Does Patterson Dental repair dental equipment?
Patterson Dental sells equipment and may offer installation and training, but repair services vary by location and product. Contact Patterson Dental directly or ask your dental practice's equipment supplier about repair options if a piece of equipment breaks.